Apple has finally satisfied those who have been waiting for a new version of its high-end headphones to take the plunge. After a minor revision a few months ago, which brought support for USB-C and lossless audio, Apple has finally launched the true AirPods Max 2, which introduce some significant changes.
With the same design and color options, but a new technical design that should allow the AirPods Max 2 to reach a new level in terms of performance and sound quality. Over five years after the release of Apple’s first wireless headphones, the American brand is refreshing its high-end audio with the AirPods Max 2. They stand out for the integration of the H2 chip, a chipset also found in the AirPods 4, AirPods Pro 2, and even the latest AirPods Pro 3. This chip notably improves sound quality and noise reduction intensity.
Apple claims the active noise cancellation is 1.5 times more powerful than the previous generation. This new algorithm targets human voices or motor ventilation noises, allowing you to enjoy your music or any other content in a much quieter way. The H2 chip also introduces intelligent functions like automatic volume adjustment based on the environment, real-time adaptive mode for noise reduction intensity, and user voice isolation for clearer calls.
The AirPods Max 2 also support “studio-quality” audio recording when paired with an iPhone running iOS 26. Like the AirPods Pro, the play button, which is still attached to the volume wheel, can also trigger the camera when connected to an iPhone. The headphones maintain a 20-hour battery life (slightly below the current market standard) and now use Bluetooth 5.3, a significant improvement over the first-generation’s 5.0.
While Apple has been refining its AirPods Pro over the past five years, the AirPods Max headphones have lacked some intelligent features compared to them. This new version catches up with live translation and Apple Intelligence, just like the third-generation AirPods Pro. For example, while traveling, the headphones can now translate what our interlocutor is saying in a foreign language. Responding in your native language will display a translation on the iPhone screen.
The AirPods Max 2 is available for pre-order since March 25, with delivery on April 1, at the same recommended retail price as the current AirPods Max USB-C, which is $579.
